The Australian shooting incident has sparked widespread mourning across the internet, and Djokovic’s deportation history has resurfaced once again.

On December 14, 2025, Australia suffered a devastating shooting at Bondi Beach that claimed 15 lives and injured many others. The attackers were a father and son, Sajid and Navid Akram; the father, aged 50, was killed on site, and his son was detained by authorities. The majority of the victims belonged to the Jewish community, participating in a Hanukkah celebration on the beach.

This tragedy provoked strong reactions from Australians and people worldwide, raising serious questions directed at the Australian government. Officials, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, have pledged to enforce stricter measures, such as tightening gun control laws.

Meanwhile, a widely shared post on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted that Djokovic was deported while the shooters were not. Djokovic was deported in 2022 for failing to comply with Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements, being deemed a risk to the country, which became a major controversy at the time. This post has since garnered over 12 million views.

To participate in the 2022 Australian Open, all players were required to be vaccinated or present a valid medical exemption. Djokovic had received exemptions from Tennis Australia and the Victoria Department of Health, allowing him entry into the country.

However, upon arrival in Australia, Djokovic was detained by authorities for not meeting the entry requirements for unvaccinated travelers. He admitted to inconsistencies in his documentation, which led to his visa being canceled and his detention.

Initially, the judiciary ruled for Djokovic’s release and gave him time to consult with his lawyers. Nevertheless, Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke invoked the 1958 Migration Act to cancel Djokovic’s visa, resulting in his eventual deportation.

According to CNN, victims of the Australian shooting spanned various ages, from children as young as 10 to elderly individuals aged 87, all unable to escape the tragedy. The latest confirmed death toll stands at a minimum of 15.

This tragedy is especially heartbreaking as the tennis world was preparing to head to Australia for the 2026 season. With the season starting in just weeks, players were packing and gearing up for the new year’s competitions. Tennis athletes expressed their condolences, with Anisimova sharing on Instagram: “When will this end... My prayers are with everyone affected.”

Australian player Priscilla Hon, a close friend of Anisimova, also posted her response, writing: “.” Australia’s second-ranked WTA player, Kasatkina, shared a broken heart emoji alongside the Australian flag.

As grief spread, players from various backgrounds responded. Besides WTA athletes, Australian player Deminar expressed his feelings: “Heartbroken over this tragedy. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those impacted. Australia stands united.”(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)